ⓘ MajinBu, Apple – edited
The upcoming iPhone 18 Pro and foldable iPhone Ultra are said to bring an advanced “C2” modem with 5G Non-Terrestrial Network (5G NR-NTN) support, potentially transitioning satellite connectivity from an emergency-exclusive feature into an automated, everyday feature for poor cellular coverage.
If you’ve ever experienced reception issues with your iPhone (and most people have), you’d be thrilled to find out Apple’s upcoming iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and the foldable iPhone Ultra may mark a significant shift for satellite connectivity, moving the technology from an emergency-only to an everyday feature.
Recent reports say the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Ultra will feature Apple’s new proprietary “C2” modem, which is rumored to support 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks (5G NR-NTN). This integration is expected to allow Apple’s 2026 iPhone lineup to automatically fall back to satellite coverage when cellular signals are weak, eliminating the need for users to manually point their phones at a satellite.
By making use of 5G over satellite, the goal is to keep users connected in areas where traditional cell reception fails, potentially ensuring connectivity even while a phone is in a pocket, inside a car, or indoors.
If these rumors hold true, Apple is looking to transform satellite features from a “safety net” reserved for life-threatening situations into a practical solution for daily use, when the iPhone 18 Pro and foldable iPhone become official, which is said to be in September.
Martin Filipov – Tech Writer – 153 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2026
Martin is a professional smartphone nerd since he got his first “real” smartphone, the Galaxy Young. Although Martin is getting older, his enthusiasm and analytical eye for a phone spec sheet is holding up nicely.
AI has already stolen several of Martin’s jobs. But don’t worry! He took revenge by switching back to a dumb toothbrush – the kind you have to swing back and forth until your teeth are clean.
Martin started writing about tech in 2021, hitting “publish” on nearly 800 feature articles in four years. Possibly a Guinness world record. Or at least a Heineken.
Martin Filipov, 2026-05-22 (Update: 2026-05-22)
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Martin Filipov